Karen Pinto and Rosiland Liljengren will lead these workshops, with each two-hour session concentrating on a different technique for hand-building with clay. No prior experience is necessary.

Participants will work on their own projects while exploring the methods of pinch pot (February) coil (March), or slab-building (April). Finished pieces will be picked up at a later date once they have been fired.

Students under age 16 must be accompanied by participating adult. All materials and supplies are provided.

Each class is limited to 12 participants. Reservations are required, and are due at least one week prior to each class.

An introduction to weaving for beginners, this course includes instruction in advanced weaving techniques for more experienced weavers. Students will work on four harness table looms. Some yarn is available.

Beginning weavers will learn to prepare a warp, dress the loom, and complete a sampler project.

Experienced weavers will receive help designing and completing their own projects in different weave structures.

Suitable for ages 12 through adult, with family participation encouraged, class is limited to three beginner students and four intermediate/advanced students.

Registration is required, and deadline is February 7.

*Creative Writing From and For the Heart: Poetry: Mondays, February 10 and 24, and March 10 and 24, 6-8 pm, $10 per class (15% of proceeds to benefit HealingNewtown Summer Art Programs).

From those who have never written a word outside of assignments for school to those who are accomplished writers, all are invited to join Reggie Marra for an exploration of one’s self through the practice of writing from the heart. Participants will create a safe space and engage simple methods that will allow students to get their feelings onto the page.

Reggie Marra is an educator, poet, and Integral Coach™ and Practitioner who has brought his poetry-writing workshops to venues throughout Connecticut since 1997. He is the author of two volumes of poetry and three of nonfiction. His primary focus in recent years has been healing and alleviating unnecessary suffering through ongoing development and transformation.

Mr Marra will guide attendees through an interactive afternoon engaging and embracing gratitude, curiosity, and the power and grace of unity within diverse voices. The program will be participatory and is open to all ages.

While not necessary, a journal or notebook may be useful to jot things down. Registration is required.

This program will be presented in NCC’s Great Room, on the church’s main floor.